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Eating Well: Food For Flight On The Menu At Aspen's Food And Wine Classic

Dane Neal is a nationally syndicated radio host of programs like Restaurant Radio America, Gasoline Alley and currently “Flavor HD” on its flagship station, WGN 720 in Chicago with affiliates around the country. He’s interviewed the biggest names in food from Bobby Flay to the legendary Jacques Pepin; Tom Colicchio, lead judge for Bravo’s Top Chefs to Andrew Zimermn; Giada; Guy Fieri and great foodies everywhere. He has also worked on the private aviation side to support great brands, food related networks and industry leaders, as well as some of Americas favorite chefs.

As co-host of Restaurant Radio America, Dane broadcasts live at some of the biggest food events in America from New York to California including Aspen’s annual Food and Wine Classic. You can catch him on www.FlavorHD.com

The reasons for using private aviation are many, but the one thing, that remains consistent with those who utilize private air travel (and with almost everyone else) is that we all like food…and whenever available, good food. Mixing the two has been, at best, a blend of expensive and sometimes hit or miss catering. That’s changing for the better.

Great food cities like New York, San Francisco and Chicago have always been important destinations for business travelers and fantastic ones for foodies, but events like the Food and Wine Classic at Aspen, which takes place from June 14 to 17, are capturing the attention of private jet travelers in a big way. Here, the biggest names in food and spirits, some of the planet’s greatest chefs, and the world of private aviation meet together for one amazing weekend.

Names like Mario Batali, Jacques Pepin, Thomas Keller and Duff Goldman join just a few thousand Aspen Classic ticket holders for a culinary extravaganza that has the local Aspen-Pitkin County Airport jam-packed with private aircraft.

“Food and Wine weekend has us roughly at capacity with three-quarters of the traffic being private jets” said Brian Grefe, Aspen-Pitkin County Airport Assistant Director of Aviation Administration. Pat Burke, Operations Manager for Atlantic Aviation, Aspen’s executive air terminal (FBO) calls the foodie pilgrimage the kick-off to Aspen’s summer season.

Big food fun is, of course, on the agenda, but big food business is always on the menu at the Classic. With about 300 domestic and international companies represented, Food and Wine magazine Vice President and Publisher, Christina Grdovic shared that, “The Classic is unique because of three things: One, it’s a mix of very high level networking between restaurateurs, chefs, operators and retailers. Two, the Classic brings a super-sophisticated consumer who can buy what they want and go where they want to, but appreciates value. Three, Aspen is a really gorgeous location and no one tires of the view.”

Legends like Chef Jacques Pepin, stars like Top Chef’s Tom Colicchio and Iron Chefs like Geoffrey Zakarian will experience possibly the best view arriving at the Classic on board a Bombardier Global Express 6000. Bombardier flew culinary talent from Westchester, NY to Aspen on two Global Express 6000s last year and the company will do so again this year in addition to participating in and hosting a number of private events during the Classic.

But don’t worry if you can’t personally attend the Classic. When the jets takeoff from Aspen, so will a new program called “Jet Chefs” from the folks at SMART Jets. They will be launching a service that will allow business travelers between 16 most popular private air cities to enjoy food from iconic restaurants. That’s not all. Some of your favorite celebrity Chefs like Ace of Cakes star, Duff Goldman, may join you and your group at your destination, event or business function. SMART Jets already gives you the ability to search, book and pay for your trip paperless and right from your smartphone and culinary options should be available before the end of June.

Stay tuned for more features from the world of food and flight, including exclusive interviews and links to audio with and about your favorite food stars, culinary events and destinations, all with a private aviation angle, and all right here at Forbes BusinessAviationVoice

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